Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos called on young people Tuesday to support the struggle for the return of Famagusta.

In statements he made to press after a memorial service marking the anniversary of the Turkish occupation of Famagusta on August 14 1974 during the second phase of the Turkish invasion, Galanos said “after thirty eight years our city awaits”.

It is an empty city held hostage by a country, which knocks on the door of Europe, he added.

Galanos further noted that he has faith that the day will come when legal residents of the fenced off part of Famagusta – called Varosha – will return.

“We call on everyone to unite; we call on young people to stand by our side to support our struggle, which is being waged on their behalf”, he said.

Galanos also added that “despite the great lapse of time we are not deterred because justice is on our side”.

Dubbed a “ghost town”, Famagusta’s fenced off section – called Varosha – remains to this day deserted, abandoned to the elements.

Turkey’s armed forces, which invaded Cyprus on July 20 1974 continued their offensive on August 14 of the same year, occupying the best part of Mesaoria, Famagusta, Karpasia and Morfou, to the west of the island, violating in their path all rules of international law, including the UN Charter despite a ceasefire agreement.

Turkish occupying forces have not allowed the return of the city’s legal residents, despite repeated calls by the UN and the EU.

During the ongoing UN led talks, which started in 2008, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has put forward a proposal on Famagusta which urges Turkey to implement UN Security Council resolution 550, which calls for the transfer of the fenced off area of Varosha, to UN administration. It also suggests the opening of Famagusta port under EU auspices to benefit the Turkish Cypriots.

The Turkish side has rejected the proposal.